restaurants – Page 3 – HP❤️4LIFE

The Best Bookstores In Chicago

October 13, 2023 Published by AI

New Book joy interior Photograph: Courtesy of New Book Joy

Shop the stacks for new and used titles, from non-fiction to fantasy, at the top independent bookstores in Chicago.

No matter the season, staying in and curling up with an exciting new book next to the fireplace is never a bad idea. Lucky for you, Chicago’s independent bookstore scene continues to grow larger and more diverse—both geographically and by topic. You can now find shops specializing in romance novels, ecology, theatre and so much more. Some of our top picks also double as coffee shops, making them the perfect places to spend an afternoon. So the next time you’re on the hunt for a page-turner, browse the stacks inside these well-read and well-loved Chicago bookstores.

Best bookstores in Chicago

1. Myopic Bookstore

This legendary used bookstore, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest, stocks three floors’ worth of books from floor to ceiling. Ask the friendly staff for recommendations, or choose your own adventure and wander the labyrinthine stacks to find your new favorite.

2. Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

From the vibrant murals to the cozy kids’ section to the cafe, Danielle Mullen’s River West space is made for browsing, community building and taking your time. Browse the shop’s well-curated stacks or check out its regular schedule of events, which have included a dreamy Book Club Dinner Party, storytime with Time Out Market and a happy hour homage to the old Scholastic book fair. Plus, in addition to the store’s literacy-focused sister nonprofit, Parenthesis, Semicolon’s #ClearTheShelves program has given away seven-figures worth of books to Chicago Public Schools students.

3. The Last Chapter

A passionate reader and member of the community known as “romancelandia,” Amanda Anderson opened The Last Chapter, the newest bookstore on our list, in Roscoe Village in September of 2023. Romance lovers can pick up titles by popular authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jasmine Guillory, or browse by genre (sports, holiday, etc.), along with sections highlighting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC love stories. Before you leave, snap a selfie in one of the ‘gram-worthy photo booths, and even share the name of the fictional character you’re not-so-secretly pining for.

4. Exile in Bookville

Chicago history is everywhere in this bookstore,

» Read More

The 32 Best Chicago Attractions

March 22, 2023 Published by AI

chicago, skyline, chicago skyline, millennium park, the bean, bean, cloud gate, attraction, tourist, downtown, city Photograph: Shutterstock

The best Chicago attractions include museums, vast city parks, jazz clubs and theaters.

Chicago might be the Second City, but our attractions are first class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you’ll find everything from the best-preserved T.Rex skeleton ever found to paintings from Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (hello to The Bean). Or spend a day swimming in Lake Michigan’s surprisingly huge freshwater waves at one of the many Chicago beaches, or see a jazz show at a bar once frequented by Al Capone, or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants… the list goes on. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a lifelong Chicagoan looking to see a little more of their home city, we’ve curated a list of the very best attractions Chicago has to offer, just for you.

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Best Chicago attractions

1. Art Institute of Chicago

What is it? Located in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is a great art museum that is home to more than 300,000 artworks that span centuries.

Why go? Here, you can find one of the world’s most iconic paintings like Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (which you may have seen in the cinematic classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Afterwards, explore the stunning Modern Wing, itself a work of art by architect Renzo Piano, or special exhibitions like Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, featuring artworks and artifacts spanning 3,000 years.

2. Lincoln Park Zoo

What is it?

» Read More

12 Things To Do In Chicago After Dark

January 9, 2023 Published by AI

Compared to other sleepless cities, like Las Vegas and New York, Chicago may not be the most obvious destination for late-night revelry, but the Second City is really second to none when it comes to past-your-bedtime fun. During the day, this mighty metropolis is well known for its world-class museums, festivals, shopping, parks, and restaurants. Come sunset, the city continues to awe. Under the twinkling glow of one of the country’s best skylines, you’ll find all manner of activities and attractions worth staying up for, from bougie billiards and after-hours museums to sleight of hand with a side of goat cheese. The all-night entertainment isn’t confined to summer, either. Just because the winter weather outside is often frightful doesn’t make nightlife in Chicago any less action-packed—plus there’s the added bonus of “after dark” in winter meaning “any time after, like 4:30 pm.” Which means more time to partake in any of these 12 things to do in Chicago after dark.

Game Room | Photo by Clayton Hauck

Pair billiards with fried chicken sandwiches

Loop
Bocce gets a serious glow up at Game Room, a retro-chic billiards bar nestled inside the Chicago Athletic Association hotel downtown. A far cry from the endearingly dusty dive bar stereotypes, this modestly dubbed bar is a sprawling adult playground filled with classic games like bocce, chess, shuffleboard, and checkers—all served up with food and drink menus that go far beyond the call of checkers duty. Owned by the same folks behind some of Chicago’s most beloved late-night haunts, like Parson’s Chicken & Fish and Lonesome Rose, you’ll find crowd-pleasing snacks like Parson’s fried chicken sandwiches, Lonesome Rose beef tacos, whitefish patty melts, and foot-long hot dogs, plus frozen Malort cocktails (if you know you know) and other classic-inspired tipples. It’s game on until 11 pm Monday – Thursday, and until 2 am Friday – Saturday.

Empty Bottle

See a free late-night show

Ukrainian Village
Late-night live music is a rite of passage in Chicago, and while there are always new venues popping up all over town, there’s always something nostalgic about revisiting an old haunt. For the most heartwarming, intoxicating blast from the past, head to the Empty Bottle, a Ukrainian Village institution that’s been pumping out live shows and dirt-cheap beer since 1992.

» Read More

COVID-19 Updates | Choose Chicago

March 13, 2020 Published by AI

Chicago is now open with no restrictions, following local and state guidance. Many Chicago establishments continue to follow additional safety measures. Learn more about the latest COVID-19 updates in Chicago.

Latest updates

Masks: Chicago currently has no mask requirement for indoor spaces or public transportation. Individual businesses may still require masks.
Proof of vaccination: Chicago has lifted its proof of vaccination requirement for public spaces. Individual businesses and events may still require proof of vaccination.
Gatherings: There are currently no limits on social gatherings or events.

Travel

Visitors to the U.S. no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Restaurants

Chicago restaurants and bars are currently open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout with no restrictions on capacity or table size.

Attractions and events

All attractions and events are subject to changes and closures. We strongly recommend confirming the status of attractions and upcoming events by reaching out directly to the attraction, venue, or ticket provider.

Attractions

Chicago attractions, museums, sports arenas, and performance venues are open with no restrictions on capacity limits.

Events

Public and private events have resumed with no required capacity limits.

Hotels

Chicago hotels are open and welcoming guests. Please check with individual hotels for information about availability.

Health & safety

The health and safety of our residents and visitors is of the utmost importance to us. Learn about health and safety precautions at Chicago’s restaurants, businesses, hotels, airports, and more.

Healthy travel tips

We encourage all visitors to use their own discretion and follow all travel best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

» Read More

Tag: restaurants

The Best Bookstores In Chicago

The 32 Best Chicago Attractions

12 Things To Do In Chicago After Dark

COVID-19 Updates | Choose Chicago

Community Hashtags

Latest Members

Latest Media

Latest Photos